Tech / General Engine Is your car making a strange sound or won't start? Thinking of adding power with a new combination? Need other technical information or engine specific advice? Don't see another board for your problem? Post it here!
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: CARiD

RPM gain with headers

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 13, 2007 | 10:08 PM
  #1  
redliterunner's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 430
Likes: 1
From: Huntsville Alabama
Car: 89 IROC convert.
Engine: tpi 305
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.42 10 bolt
RPM gain with headers

Hi guys,

What kind of usable rpm gain will I get on my stock 305 tpi motor after I put my hooker 2055s and new magnaflo cat on?

Right now the power goes flat at 4500 or so, I'm hoping she'll pull to 5000.

I kinda need to know because I need to select rear gears for my other axle. I think 3.42 or so would be fine, but I'd go deeper if the motor could actually use the extra teeth.

Thanks,
Reply
Old Mar 13, 2007 | 10:55 PM
  #2  
xlwhellraiser's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,122
Likes: 1
From: colorado
Car: 1992 Trans/am convertible
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 2.73 drum WS6
Thats where TPI dies. Its a well known fact. You need to get the TPI flowing more in order to gain more from headers. You will probably get more HP and a better pull by puttin the headers in.
Now, you should check the article on porting your TPI intake, and it should help you reach your goal. I think
Reply
Old Mar 13, 2007 | 11:09 PM
  #3  
redliterunner's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 430
Likes: 1
From: Huntsville Alabama
Car: 89 IROC convert.
Engine: tpi 305
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.42 10 bolt
not real encouraging, though I'll take what I can get. Sounds like 3.42s will be my best go. thanks
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2007 | 01:48 AM
  #4  
xlwhellraiser's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,122
Likes: 1
From: colorado
Car: 1992 Trans/am convertible
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 2.73 drum WS6
Its really easy to think about.

In order for an engine to push more air out it will need to take more air in. TPI's die at 4500RPM. Thats how they are from the factory. So, you took care of one problem. You solved the "push the air out" part, now you have to solve "pull the air in"!

You shouldn't get discouraged. As a matter of fact, you're half way there. Porting the plenum should be easy.
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2007 | 09:41 AM
  #5  
redliterunner's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 430
Likes: 1
From: Huntsville Alabama
Car: 89 IROC convert.
Engine: tpi 305
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.42 10 bolt
Oh I'm not really that discouraged. I've just never owned an engine before that need headers and porting to pull to 5k. Years ago, I had a 383 dodge with a two barrel carb that ran out of nuts about where this 305 does. The 305 is better on gas, though. lol
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2007 | 12:17 PM
  #6  
five7kid's Avatar
Moderator
25 Year Member
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,187
Likes: 43
From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: L92/LQ4 (both w/4" stroke)
Transmission: 4L80E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
Uh, porting ain't the end of the story.

The "T" in "TPI" stands for "tuned". As in, the port runner length is "tuned" to provide the best pulse density effect for a certain RPM range. With stock TPI, that RPM range tops out at around 4500 RPMs.

You want higher RPMs, you need shorter runners (aftermarket). They'll also have a larger cross-section for higher flow capability. The Edelbrock version runs around $350.
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2007 | 01:03 PM
  #7  
xlwhellraiser's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,122
Likes: 1
From: colorado
Car: 1992 Trans/am convertible
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 2.73 drum WS6
Now you really discouraged him .

I understand what you are saying, but porting should help. I don't see why he shouldn't do it. Its free!
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2007 | 01:36 PM
  #8  
five7kid's Avatar
Moderator
25 Year Member
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,187
Likes: 43
From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: L92/LQ4 (both w/4" stroke)
Transmission: 4L80E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
Originally Posted by xlwhellraiser
... porting should help. I don't see why he shouldn't do it.
Didn't say he shouldn't. But, don't expect gains in the RPM range. It may help power up to peak, but won't have a significant effect on how high the engine will spin. And, the stock runners will still be a choke point (as will the stock base).

Don't forget, the cam plays a major role in this game. The factory designed these parts to work together to get the best seat-of-the-pants demo ride feel. That does not translate to impressive ET or peak power numbers.

Originally Posted by xlwhellraiser
Its free!
Assuming you already have the equipment for it.
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2007 | 03:10 AM
  #9  
1991CamaroRslow's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,833
Likes: 0
From: Cincinatti OH
Car: 1991 L03 700r4 RS
Engine: 1987 WS6 Trans AM Lb2
Transmission: Th350 red neck Performance 3k stall
Axle/Gears: 95 Mustang 8.8 built with 3.73s
Put on your headers, siamese the base a few inches in and call it a day. Oh and for another slap in the face, the cam needs to be swapped out, it has a small duration. BTW revving past 4500 sure as hell doesn't mean you're making power past it, my 350 TPI will flat line at about 5300 but will still pull past that straight on to the 6700rpm limiter if i let it.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
92projectcamaro
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
11
Jan 18, 2016 08:00 AM
IROCtometal
TPI
2
Sep 20, 2015 11:08 PM
IROCtometal
TPI
3
Sep 9, 2015 10:01 AM
IROCtometal
TPI
0
Sep 2, 2015 02:01 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:24 PM.